SERVICES DIRECTIVE

Details

16 February 2006

Hudghton (Greens/EFA) - The compromise package agreed by the Socialist and Conservative Groups creates an unclear result. For example, the two large groups refused to back an outright exemption of social services from the directive's scope, despite the deep concerns of many working in the social care sector. They did however exempt social services "such as social housing, childcare and family services". This non-exhaustive list of certain social services creates legal uncertainty and it is impossible to judge what social services will be affected by the directive outwith the fields of housing, childcare and family services. The compromise failed to ensure outright exemptions of such key sectors as education, water and culture. The compromise threatens consumer rights by not permitting Member States to impose requirements based on consumer protection. For these reasons I voted against the amended report.